Last week, we introduced you to Daniel Ngo, a Level 8 Local Guide who helps others find great coffee through his reviews and photos. When we interviewed him, Daniel also shared some insightful tips for taking great photos of restaurants and writing helpful reviews of all kinds.
Below are some of his best tips for writing great reviews and taking beautiful photos.
What is your favorite way to contribute on Google Maps and how often do you contribute?
I really like trying to take unique or interesting pictures of my favorite restaurants, as well as adding photos of the outside and inside to help people find the place and decide if it’s the kind of place that they want to go to. I try to add at least some pictures of every new place I come across.
What are your best tips for helping others improve their photography skills?
There are two kinds of photos that I like to take. I take photos that are informational, and photos that are more artistic.
For the informational photos, I try to show people as much as I can about a place. What does it look like, both inside and outside? If there are different rooms, I try to take a picture of each one. What is on the menu? What do the different menu items look like? I try to answer all the questions that I would have if I were looking up a new place.
The more artistic photos are just about having fun with it. I still try to make sure that something about the restaurant is the focus. I like framing the shop or restaurant, decorations, or signs in the background, and bring the food and drinks right in front to showcase them.
I think photography is really about personal exploration, so try new things and take pictures of what you like. I think a key thing to remember is that your best photo has yet to be taken, so always look for new ways to improve your photography.
How do you hope your contributions will help those who see them?
I try to be very objective in my reviews. I know that not everyone’s experience will be exactly like mine, so I try to base my judgments on things that people will likely relate to when they go to that place. In this way, I try to give people an idea of what to really expect when they get there, without too much extra fluff. If the people reading my reviews get a good grasp of what it’s like to go to that place, then I’ve done my job right.
What advice do you have for others who are hoping to write more helpful reviews?
Try to be objective and have a holistic view. Don’t let just one thing dictate how well or poorly you rate a place. I’ve seen a lot of reviews and reviewers where people would love the food but rate a place one star because of a bad waiter. To me, a polarizing place like that deserves more of a middle of the road rating. There’s a chance that that server was having a bad day or is no longer at that place. You don’t want to discourage someone and have them miss out on what could potentially be a great experience for them.
Anything else you’d like to add?
At the end, I think writing reviews should really be about helping other people make the most informed decision, rather than boasting about a place you like or tearing down a place you don’t. The most helpful reviews to me are the ones that provide me with as many details as possible so that I can imagine myself there, and then decide on my own if I want to go. In my reviews, I try to make it known that it’s all my opinion. I don’t tell people what they should do, but instead try to provide them with the information so that they can decide for themselves.
What are your best tips for helping others improve their reviews and photos on Google Maps? Share them with us in the comments below!
you’re totally right about not letting one negative aspect of an experience at a place you’re reviewing be the main focus - it would be a shame if others never give the place a chance